Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Costa Book Awards 2009 Shortlists Revealed

Costa, the UK's fastest-growing coffee shop chain, has announced the shortlists for the 2009 Costa Book Awards.The Costa Book Awards recognise the most enjoyable books in five categories - First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children's Book - published in the last year by writers based in the UK and Ireland.This year's Costa Book Awards attracted 592 entries - the second highest-ever number of submissions in one year.

Announced live tonight on BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme, this year's lists include Hilary Mantel, Colm Tóibín, Clive James, William Fiennes and Penelope Lively. Full details here